PHCS Remembers Steven Wilson

PARISHVILLE - It was with heavy hearts that members of the Parishville Hopkinton Central School District Board of Education met Monday night.

On consecutive days last week the district lost members of the PHCS family, with class of 20011 graduate Amanda L. Lashomb passing away from Lou Gehrigs disease on Friday and board of education member Steven H. Wilson passing away unexpectedly on Saturday.

Board President Ward Remington opened the meeting Monday night with a moment of silence in honor of Mr. Wilson and his 14 years of service to the district.

Before we begin tonights regular school board meeting, I would like to take the time to honor and remember a valuable member we just tragically lost, Mr. Remington said. As you all are aware our Steve Wilson passed away unexpectedly early on Saturday morning.

Mr. Remington continued, His leadership, wisdom, straight forwardness and wit will be sorely missed. I would like to ask you to join me in a moment of silence to remember our fellow board member, neighbor and friend, Steve Wilson.

The board room, complete with Mr. Wilsons empty chair, was silent for approximately 30 seconds.

Thank you all for that gesture of respect and honor. May our thoughts and prayers be with Gail (his wife) and his family, Mr. Remington said.

After the meeting, Mr. Remington recalled the life of a man he called a good friend.

Mr. Remington explained that his daughter-in-law was Mr. Wilsons niece.

He loved his family, he loved people and he was always more than willing to help with anything, Mr. Remington said adding one of Mr. Wilsons sons graduated with his son and Mr. Wilsons other son graduated with his daughter.

Ive known his family for years, he said.

While Steve Wilson the man will definitely be missed, Mr. Remington also said Steve Wilson the board member will be missed as well.

One of the things you could always count on with Steve was his straight forwardness. If something had to be said, he said it. He never spoke in a way where you were wondering what he said, Mr. Remington said. As a school board member, well undoubtedly miss his wisdom from being in business, being a farmer and from his experience with people. When you put those three together, you have a very strong board member.

Board of Education Clerk Lori Witherell also noted Mr. Wilson had recently been re-elected to another term on the St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES board of education.

Ive known him for the past seven years, Mr. Saiff said. Hell be missed at our board table. Steve was a true representation of our community and its value for education.

Following the moment of silence for Mr. Wilson, Mr. Saiff also called attention to the loss of Ms. Lashomb. Just down the hall from the board room, a bulletin board was graced with pictures of Ms. Lashomb, as well as notes and memories left by students and staff at the school.